HOT TIP: perfectionism is ruining your best photos. 

Here’s the hard truth: chasing perfection doesn’t lead to better shots – it stops you from getting the real, honest images that your clients want.

If you’re ready to let go of obsessing over every detail and want photos that feel alive, here’s the answer: ditch “perfect” and start being fully present. Over the past seven years, I’ve learned that embracing imperfection is the secret to capturing raw, emotive, and authentic photos people connect with. Today, I’m sharing two simple ways to break free from perfectionism and capture those powerful, unfiltered moments. Ready?

Why Perfection Holds You Back

I’ll be honest: I spent a big chunk of my life obsessing over getting things “just right.” And if you’re anything like me, you know that perfectionism can be a roadblock. It sneaks in when you start worrying, “Will my client like this?” or “What if they don’t look exactly how they want to?” Before you know it, you’re nitpicking every image and second-guessing every angle. Perfectionism turns into a cycle where we judge our own work and get so wrapped up in controlling the outcome that we forget what we’re actually creating. We end up holding back, letting fear stop us from capturing those genuine moments.

So how do we get out of this mindset? How do we leave perfectionism at the door and fully engage in the moment? For me, the answer lies in presence – being right there with your clients and capturing their story as it unfolds.

Tip #1: Keep Your Camera Close to Your Face

Let’s start with the first physical step to staying present: keeping your camera close. Most photographers get into the habit of shooting, lowering the camera, analyzing the shot, then going back to shooting. But when you’re constantly lowering your camera, there’s a disconnect between you and what’s happening right in front of you. To stay present, try keeping your camera close to your face at all times.

Here’s a little trick: instead of lowering your camera to your hip, just rest it on your shoulder, keeping it inches away from your face. This tiny adjustment saves you time and helps you stay tuned into the moment. When you’re right there, with your camera ready, you’ll find yourself naturally more aware of everything – the sounds, the energy, even the little details that make a moment unique.

Imagine you’re at a wedding, capturing a heartfelt interaction between a bride and her dad. When you’re right there, camera on your shoulder, it’s just a quick movement to capture that tear, that smile, that moment of pure joy. There’s no pause, no overthinking, just presence. Being this close allows you to capture things as they happen, and that’s where the magic is.

Tip #2: Get Close; Closer Than You’re Comfortable With

Now, here’s a big one: get closer. And I don’t mean just physically moving in; I mean entering the emotional space of the people you’re photographing. If you’re 10 feet away, you’re playing it safe. You’re distant, and the shots you get from that distance? They’re nice, but they don’t capture the depth of what’s going on.

You want raw, real photos? Move in. Getting physically closer makes you a part of the moment. You’re no longer just a photographer standing back, capturing things at a distance. You’re in the moment with them. It might feel a little awkward at first, but that’s where you need to go.

If you’re feeling that “I’m too close” discomfort, it’s a good sign you’re in the right spot. You’re breaking down barriers. When you’re close, people respond to your presence. They see that you’re committed, that you’re with them, and they open up more. They trust you to be part of their moments, not just a passive observer. When you’re close, you’re able to capture those subtle glances, those soft touches, those moments that happen between the “big” moments.

And remember, if you’re still keeping your distance, there’s probably someone else with a smartphone, right next to you, getting the same shot you would have if you stayed 10 feet away. Closing that gap changes everything; it gives your images a feeling that can’t be replicated from a distance.

Why Presence Beats Perfection Every Time

So, why is presence the antidote to perfectionism? Because perfectionism is about control – it’s about creating a safety zone. It’s a way to protect yourself from discomfort, from judgment, and from vulnerability. Presence, on the other hand, is all about connection. When you’re fully there with your clients, you’re able to see and feel what they’re experiencing. And it’s that shared experience that creates powerful, authentic photos.

Being present means using more than just your eyes. You’re using all of your senses, tuning into the energy of the moment. It’s about curiosity; curiosity about the people, the environment, and the emotions. And in that curiosity, you stop focusing on yourself, your fears, and your worries about getting everything just right.

The Gear Tip: Ditch the Telephoto Lens

One last tip, especially for my photographers out there: try shooting with a 35mm lens instead of a telephoto. A 35mm forces you to be physically close to your subjects, and that proximity changes the whole vibe of your photos. When you’re right there, sharing the space with your clients, your photos will feel intimate, connected, and real.

If you’re shooting a wedding or a family session, try using just the 35mm lens the entire time. You’ll start to notice the difference. Being that close means you’re in the moment with your subjects, not observing from afar. And that closeness translates into images that feel honest and raw.

Moving Past Perfectionism in Photography

To wrap things up, let’s go back to the big picture: perfectionism holds you back. It keeps you safe but disconnected. When you embrace presence, you let go of the fear of not getting it right. You stop worrying about making a “perfect” photo and start focusing on making a meaningful one.

Perfectionism might be rooted in a desire to control, but presence invites you to trust the process and go with the flow. It’s about being open, curious, and embracing the messiness of life as it happens. Your clients will feel it, and they’ll respond to it. And in the end, your work will reflect that authenticity and honesty.

I hope these tips are helpful and inspire you to let go a little more next time you’re out shooting! Perfection isn’t the goal; connection is. So, go out there, get close, and stay present. Remember: presence over perfection. Work on it, embrace it, and let me know what you discover along the way. Good luck!

CONNECT WITH BOBBI:

Follow: 

@tiltandshiftpodcast

@barbarichphoto

@documentaryfamilyphoto

Learn more about coaching and mentoring at bobbibeducation.com.